ROAD ACCIDENT COMPENSATION CLAIM

It is useful to sketch plans of the location and to take photographs of the damage. It is important to establish whether there were any witnesses, for example, other people involved, other drivers, pedestrians, shopkeepers or residents who saw what happened.

To support your road accident compensation claim you should make a written record of what you recall as soon as possible. You (or somebody on your behalf if you are unable) should write down what happened, how the accident was caused, who was present, any conversations that took place at the time of the accident and shortly after.

You should also exchange contact details with others involved in the accident. If a driver involved refuses to give details, such as name and address, at the scene of the accident, this information can be obtained in other ways. If the registration number of the vehicle has been noted and the accident has been reported, the police can trace the owner (not necessarily the driver) of the vehicle.

It is important to make a record of the registration number, make and model of the car and the date of the accident. In England, Wales and Scotland, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) may be able to provide you with the name and address of the person registered as the keeper of the vehicle to anyone who has a good reason for needing it.

Note that even if you are partly to blame, you may still be entitled to make a road accident compensation claim. Sometimes a judge will apportion blame to both parties. Your compensation will be reduced to reflect the percentage of “contributory negligence” on your part.

If you do intend to seek compensation, you must remember to act within the three-year limitation period term. If the 3 year time limit runs out, you will be unable to file a claim and obtain compensation. There are exceptions to the general 3 year limit and you should take qualified legal advice if you are not certain.

Here are 3 good reasons to choose our lawyers:

1. Our lawyers will provide you with legal advice on your rights and entitlements to compensation with no further obligation.
2. Our solicitors are specialist accredited expert members of the Law Society personal injury panel with extensive experience in negotiating, settling and litigating accident compensation claims.
3. If you decide to instruct any of our specialists to obtain compensation for you, they will act on a “no win no fee” basis. Compensation is paid in full and win or lose there is no charge.¹